Antidepressants Decrease Seizure Frequency in Epilepsy

Antidepressants are safe for patients with epilepsy, and may reduce seizure frequency, a study of 84 adult patients showed. 

Ramses Ribot, MD, of Rush University, and colleagues, analyzed 100 adult, epileptic patients who had started on selective serotonin or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSRI/SNRI) drugs for depression or anxiety disorders.

Of the 84 patients, only 2 showed a significant increase in seizure frequency after 6 months of follow-up.  Among 40 of the patients that reported at least 1 seizure per month prior to antidepressant therapy, 40% showed a 50% reduction in frequency. 

Rates of improvement or remission of depression and anxiety ranged from 82% to 92% in participants, regardless of the antidepressants effects on seizure frequency. 

“In patients with frequent seizures SSRIs and SNRIs appear to have an antiepileptic effect, researchers concluded.  “These data need to be replicated in prospective double blind placebo controlled trials.

-Michael Potts